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    Home >> Mediterranean

    Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce

    Published: June 13, 2020 • Modified: February 22, 2022 • by Author: Analida • Word count:1153 words. • About 6 minutes to read this article.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Making some gyros or some veggies for a snack? One sauce you need to make for a tasty spicy dip: Tzatziki. This has a nice smooth, creamy, garlic flavor to add to many dishes like grilled meats like kebabs or lamb chops, salads and veggie trays to name a few. Authentic Greek Tzatziki uses a smooth Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill and some olive oil. | ethnicspoon.com

    Back home in Panama City there is this little pizza shop, owned by a Greek family, called Athens Pizza. OMG, their stuff is amazing, anything you order is drool-worthy. The menu is definitely Mediterranean, and everything is fresh as fresh can be. According to my gourmet nephew, this place has "the best tzatziki sauce outside of Greece." He's right! Their sauce is outstanding, and very authentic.

    a plate of cucumbers and a bowl of tzatziki

    Jump to:
    • What is tzatziki sauce?
    • Serving tzatziki:
    • Tzatziki sauce step by step photos:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

    What is tzatziki sauce?

    The word tzatziki is a derivative of the Turkish word caciq, which in turn is related to other words in some Western Asian languages. A similar food is popular in many Balkan countries where it is served as a mezze, or as a side dish. Also, depending on the country, different herbs are used.

    a plate of chopped vegetables with a bowl of tzatziki and a carrot dipping in

    Basically, plain yogurt, seedless cucumber, garlic, salt and pepper. I personally like to drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh dill. Someone told me that dill is not 100% authentic. No worries, cooking is about innovation and taste. You can try using different herbs to reflect different culture’s interpretations of the sauce. That’s the fun thing about tzatziki is that it exists across many countries in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Each culture uses the base of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, but the herbs in each vary. Some cultures add aleppo pepper, sumac, dill, and more. Some serve it with hot stews, or simply in the summer as a part of a cold mezze. It’s an extremely versatile side which is why I love it so much. You can be really creative with how you use it.

    And while we're on the subject of innovation, let me make another suggestion: mint. Yup, I've used mint in my homemade tzatziki sauce mainly because I have an overabundance of it in my back yard. One of the reasons I grow mint is to make mint juleps; I just felt the need to confess. While it’s not a traditional method of serving tzatziki, it’s definitely a nice addition! It’s a nice addition to the yogurt, as the mintiness cuts through the fat. 

    A top down view of a plate of vegetables with a bowl of tzatziki

    Serving tzatziki:

    You can use my authentic Greek tzatziki recipe as a dip, for carrots and other veggies, or some pita chips. It also goes well with grilled meats, think kebabs or grilled lamb. YUM!

    If you were worried about how to make tzatziki sauce, this recipe is pretty easy. The only word of warning here is that you need to make sure that the cucumber is very dry when you mix it in with the tzatziki. Why? well, cucumber has a high water content which can make your dip watery, and that is the last thing you want. If you have a cheesecloth or nut-milk bag, you can throw the shredded cucumber in them and squeeze the water out. In a pinch, I’ve used paper towels and rags to absorb all the water. It won’t absorb all of the water completely, but it gets the job done.

    I also find that the English cucumbers also know as seedless cucumbers work best as they are mostly seedless and have a very tender skin.

    Oh, and the garlic. As far as this ingredient is concerned, I am leaving it totally up to you. I have a friend who LOVES garlic, as in there are no evil spirits in her house LOVE. I have a more temperate relationship with garlic, so I use it with caution.

    I know some garlic lovers who feel that when it comes to tzatziki, there is such a thing as too much garlic. Garlic has a much punchier and pronounced taste when it is served raw. Be mindful of that when you decide on how much you want to add. 

    a plate of cucumbers with a bowl of tzatziki with a fork and spoon on the right

    Tzatziki sauce step by step photos:

    A collage of photos showing the steps and ingredients to make Greek tzatziki sauce.

    1. Gather all your ingredients and have them measured out and ready to go.
    2. Grate half of the English or seedless cucumber on a fine grater.
    3. Place the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. You can also press into a very fine strainer also.
    4. You will have a moist pulp as shown and it will be about ¼ cup.
    5. In a large bowl add the plain Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, minced garlic, nutmeg and optionally the chopped dill.
    6. Finally add in the cucumber then stir to fully combine.

    I recommend letting the tzatziki rest for at least an hour and up to overnight to fully let the flavors come together and pronounce themselves. If you taste the tzatziki right after mixing versus after a few hours in the fridge, you will definitely taste a difference. The garlic will be more pronounced and, if you decide to add herbs, they will have settled their essences in the yogurt.

    Frequently asked questions:

    • How long can I store the tzatziki? This will store nicely in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. You may get a little water separation from the cucumber but just give it a stir to combine.
    • What can I serve this with? This is a very versatile sauce and I typically serve with grilled lamb, beef or chicken kebabs wrapped in pita. We also use it as a dip for veggie trays.  It goes great on grilled burgers instead of the traditional ketchup and mustard.

    In the meantime, why don't you make some? Let me know how you like it, and also if you added any extra ingredients.

    Want to try more flavors from the Mediterranean? 

    Melomakarona - Greek Christmas cookies that are soaked in honey and topped with crunchy nuts. 

    Avgolemono - Greek-style creamy chicken soup that's actually dairy-free! 

    Moroccan Beef Kebabs - Grilled tender beef with Mediterranean spices served with herbed couscous 

    Mediterranean Parsley Salad - A light and healthy side dish that doesn't shy on flavor. 

    Dolmas - Grape leaves stuffed with lemony herbed rice. 

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook

    A white bowl with Greek tzatziki along with sliced carrots and celery.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print

    Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

    A delicious and healthy Greek sauce to complement any of your grilled needs or veggies. Made with yogurt, garlic and cucumber. 

    Course Dressing
    Cuisine Greek
    Keyword appertizer, cucumber, dip, garlic, gyro, mint, sauce, yogurt
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings: Change to adjust-> 6 servings
    Calories 56 kcal
    Author Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups yogurt Greek, plain
    • ½ cucumber seedless, peeled and grated fine
    • ¼ tsp Kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper cracked
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 Tbsp dill fresh, chopped (optional)
    • 1 dash nutmeg

    Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

      mint for garnish - optional

        Instructions

        1. Grate the cucumber with a fine grater.

        2. Place the grated cucumber in a strainer or cheese cloth and gently squeeze down to remove as much water as possible. You should have a moist pulp when done.

        3. In a bowl place the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and garlic, then stir to combine.
        4. Add in the cucumber, then stir in the dill, and the nutmeg. Drizzle with olive oil, and top with chopped mint if desired.

        Nutrition Facts
        Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
        Amount Per Serving
        Calories 56 Calories from Fat 18
        % Daily Value*
        Fat 2g3%
        Saturated Fat 1g6%
        Cholesterol 10mg3%
        Sodium 135mg6%
        Potassium 166mg5%
        Carbohydrates 4g1%
        Sugar 4g4%
        Protein 3g6%
        Vitamin A 100IU2%
        Vitamin C 1.7mg2%
        Calcium 105mg11%
        Iron 0.1mg1%
        * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

        Originally published July 2017 and updated June 2020.

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        1007 shares
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        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Karly

          August 01, 2017 at 10:01 pm

          Allll the veggie dips, please. This one's defnitely making an appearance at the enxt party!

          Reply
          • Analida

            August 02, 2017 at 11:07 am

            Thanks Karly. It is one of our favorites.

            Reply
        2. Iryna

          August 05, 2017 at 12:46 pm

          I adore tzatziki. It goes well with everything!

          Reply
        3. Billy

          January 23, 2018 at 3:05 pm

          This looks so delicious. Love Tzatziki sauce but have never made it at home. Definitely love all the dill-filled sauces like this one. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to make it!

          Reply
          • Analida

            January 23, 2018 at 4:29 pm

            Hi Billy! Thanks for commenting. let me know how you like it.

            Reply
        4. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices

          February 26, 2018 at 10:15 am

          I like the idea of mint in tzatziki very much! It looks great! And although I don't like cucumbers, I've always liked tzatziki. Don' know why 😉 .

          Reply
          • Analida

            February 26, 2018 at 7:39 pm

            Hi Nicoletta! I am the same way. Cucumbers are not my favorite, but for some reason I like tzatziki. 🙂

            Reply
        5. Abby @ WinsteadWandering

          February 26, 2018 at 10:32 am

          I used to live across the street from a pretty famous Greek restaurant but, unfortunately, I never really appreciated all that meant until we moved. I don't think I've had good tzatziki sauce since. Thanks for the recipe!

          Reply
          • Analida

            February 26, 2018 at 7:40 pm

            You are welcome Abby. I hope you have a chance to make it.

            Reply
        6. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

          February 26, 2018 at 12:21 pm

          5 stars
          This sauce is so good on LOTS of things. I could just eat it by the spoonful. I have made it at home too. It is easy....and this sounds delicious.

          Reply
          • Analida

            February 26, 2018 at 7:41 pm

            Thanks Gloria! I think tzatziki is so versatile. 🙂

            Reply
        7. Kate

          February 28, 2018 at 12:43 pm

          Delicious! I love tzatziki sauce. THis recipe looks perfect. I need to make some falafel to go with this lovely sauce!

          Reply
          • Analida

            February 28, 2018 at 7:30 pm

            Kate, yes, tzatziki sauce would be awesome with falafel. Now I am going I am going to have to make falafel too. 🙂

            Reply
        8. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

          March 01, 2018 at 1:13 pm

          i usually never add nutmeg but i will give it a try with it.

          tzatziki sauce is the best.

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 02, 2018 at 5:17 pm

            Hi Dixya! Yes, tzatziki IS the best. Let me know how you like it with nutmeg. 🙂

            Reply
        9. Jenni

          March 02, 2018 at 7:29 am

          Tzatziki is such a great dip! Love the hint of mint in there, too!

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 02, 2018 at 5:18 pm

            Hi Jenni! Thanks for commenting.
            Yes mint is great. 🙂

            Reply
        10. Sharon

          March 02, 2018 at 9:09 pm

          Tzatziki sauce is so good I could eat it on almost everything. This is a great and simple recipe so I could easily make it at home. Delicious!

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 03, 2018 at 1:12 pm

            Hi Sharon, yes, tzatziki is so good. Thanks for commenting. 🙂

            Reply
        11. TaraTeaspoon

          March 04, 2018 at 10:36 am

          5 stars
          Such a great sauce ! I could seriously put it on everything I eat ... there's nothing like it !

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 06, 2018 at 8:21 am

            Thanks Tara. Yes, I also think tzatziki goes great with everything. 🙂

            Reply
        12. Matt Kearns

          March 04, 2018 at 4:03 pm

          5 stars
          I love tzatziki! This recipe is so easy to throw together, and it's super healthy too!

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 06, 2018 at 8:23 am

            Matt, I also think tzatziki is great with everything.

            Reply
        13. Stacey

          March 04, 2018 at 11:00 pm

          I love how much flavor there is in Tzatziki, one of my favorites!

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 06, 2018 at 8:23 am

            Yes, so much flavor, and such simple ingredients. 🙂

            Reply
        14. Veronika's Kitchen

          March 05, 2018 at 8:48 am

          5 stars
          Love this recipe! This is exactly what I need now during the spring/summer time) will save the page for later)

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 06, 2018 at 8:24 am

            Hope you like it Veronika.

            Reply
        15. Juli

          November 09, 2018 at 5:23 pm

          5 stars
          I love tzatziki sauce! I always add a splash of lemon juice to mine and a pinch of cumin if serving with middle eastern food.

          Reply
          • Analida

            November 09, 2018 at 8:47 pm

            That sounds wonderful!

            Reply
        16. Sues

          November 11, 2018 at 6:31 pm

          5 stars
          I love tzatziki and don't make it nearly enough... This one looks absolutely perfect. I'd be putting it on everything!

          Reply
        17. robert

          October 09, 2021 at 11:15 am

          5 stars
          I felt like I was going back in time to Gouves, Crete, Greece where I lived 30 years ago. Great authentic taste and consistancy. Thank you.

          Reply
          • Analida

            October 10, 2021 at 6:38 am

            Thank so much Robert! I am glad you enjoyed the tzatziki!

            Reply

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        Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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